Director of Development

Red Wing Arts; Red Wing (MN); On-site; USD 62,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Wing Arts is seeking a Director of Development to lead and expand the organization's comprehensive fundraising program. In partnership with the Executive Director and Board, you will cultivate donors, secure philanthropic support, and build systems to sustain long‑term financial health.

The role focuses on strengthening major gifts, annual giving, corporate partnerships, and foundation funding while expanding donor stewardship and organizational capacity for future campaigns.

Qualifications

• Proven success building relationships and securing philanthropic support.
• Experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
• Experience with capital campaigns, including major gifts and campaign readiness.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience working with boards, volunteers, and community partners.
• Knowledge of annual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, and donor stewardship.
• CFRE certification or comparable professional fundraising credentials are welcomed but not required.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with individuals, businesses, foundations, and community partners.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive development strategy with measurable goals.
• Grow annual giving, membership, corporate support, foundation funding, and major gifts.
• Strengthen donor management systems and stewardship practices.
• Collaborate with staff and the Board to communicate impact and inspire philanthropic investment.

Skills

Relationship building

Fundraising strategy

Capital campaigns

Communication skills

Board collaboration

Donor stewardship

Fundraising knowledge

Education

CFRE certification welcomed but not required

Job description

Status: Exempt, Full-Time (40 hours/week)

Salary: $62,000–$75,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience

Reports To: Executive Director

About Red Wing Arts

Since 1952, Red Wing Arts has connected people through creativity by providing exhibitions, education, festivals, concerts, public art, and arts experiences that strengthen our community.

Mission: To build a vibrant community fueled by the arts by connecting, celebrating, inspiring, and leading through shared art experiences.

As Red Wing Arts continues to grow, we are investing in philanthropy as a strategic priority to ensure our long-term sustainability and expand our impact throughout the region.

Position Summary

The Director of Development leads Red Wing Arts' comprehensive development program in partnership with the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

This position is responsible for growing philanthropic support, strengthening relationships with donors and community partners, and building the systems and strategies that support the organization's long-term financial sustainability.

Success in this role is measured by stronger donor relationships, increased philanthropic investment, diversified revenue, effective fundraising systems, and the continued growth of Red Wing Arts' development program.

Areas of Responsibility

1. Build Relationships

Lead the organization's efforts to cultivate, solicit, and steward meaningful relationships with individuals, businesses, foundations, and community partners.

Success in this area includes:

• Building and managing an active portfolio of donor and funding relationships.
• Increasing donor engagement and long-term stewardship.
• Expanding relationships with corporations, foundations, and community partners.
• Partnering with the Executive Director and Board to strengthen major gift cultivation and donor engagement.

2. Build the Development Program

Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive development strategy that supports the organization's mission and strategic goals.

Success in this area includes:

• Developing and implementing an annual Development Plan.
• Establishing fundraising priorities and measurable annual goals.
• Growing annual giving, membership, corporate support, foundation funding, and major gifts.
• Strengthening donor management systems and stewardship practices.
• Building the organizational capacity needed for future comprehensive fundraising initiatives.

3. Strengthen Organizational Capacity

Provide leadership for the systems, communication, and collaboration that support successful fundraising across the organization.

Success in this area includes:

• Coordinating grant proposals and reporting in collaboration with staff.
• Maintaining accurate donor records and development reporting.
• Supporting the Board Development Committee and fundraising efforts of Board members.
• Collaborating with staff to communicate the impact of Red Wing Arts and inspire philanthropic investment.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring many of the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated success building relationships and securing philanthropic support.
• Experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
• Experience with capital campaigns, including campaign planning, major gift cultivation, matching or challenge gifts, and campaign readiness.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with boards, volunteers, and community partners.
• Knowledge of annual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, donor stewardship, and fundraising best practices.

CFRE certification or comparable professional fundraising credentials are welcomed but not required.

We recognize that exceptional candidates bring a variety of professional experiences. If your background does not align perfectly with every qualification listed, but you believe you would thrive in this role and advance the mission of Red Wing Arts, we encourage you to apply.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first two years, the Director of Development will:

• Implement a comprehensive Development Plan aligned with the organization's strategic priorities.
• Strengthen donor engagement and stewardship practices.
• Increase philanthropic support while diversifying contributed revenue.
• Build systems that improve fundraising effectiveness and accountability.
• Expand Red Wing Arts' long-term fundraising capacity through stronger relationships, sustainable practices, and strategic planning.

Commitment to Inclusion

Red Wing Arts is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for the arts and community building.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to [e-mail].

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until the right candidate is identified.